Oshtemo Township Board of Trustees - August 12, 2025 Oshtemo Township Board

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board addresses multiple agenda items, including budget amendments for the Public Works and Fire Departments, which cover GIS services, GPS unit shipping, and vehicle operations. The board also discusses the importance of participation in community events by the fire department and the need for renegotiation of the firefighters' collective bargaining agreement to address concerns over weekend work hours and community engagement. The board decides to table the agreement for further discussion in a closed session. The meeting also includes updates on public safety from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office and announcements of upcoming community events.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:30)
The meeting was called to order and attendees were invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was called to order, and attendees were invited to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. This marks the official start of the meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:34)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance as part of the meeting's opening.

As part of the opening proceedings, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present, symbolizing unity and patriotism.
Roll Call and Remote Attendance Identification (00:01:16)
Trustees and officials attending remotely identified themselves as part of the roll call.

During roll call, Trustees Ford, Kora, Chapman, and Cole, along with Clerk Farmer, identified themselves. Trustee Claire joined remotely, in compliance with statute, from her home in VO Township.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:25)
The agenda was approved after confirming receipt of a budget amendment update.

Trustee Kora moved to approve the agenda, supported by Trustee Cole. The agenda, as updated with a budget amendment, was approved unanimously by voice vote.
Public Official and Community Partner Updates (00:04:05)
Updates were provided by county commissioner Dale Loo and Road Commission representative Mr. Sauer.

County Commissioner Dale Loo discussed recent county meeting outcomes and upcoming events, such as the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau meeting. Road Commission representative Mr. Sauer mentioned staying in tune with the Township but had no specific updates.
Clerk's Office Report on Accomplishments and Goals (00:08:37)
Clerk Farmer reported on the office's activities, including accounts payable and cemetery management.

Clerk Farmer presented a detailed report on the accomplishments and goals of the Clerk's office, covering areas such as accounts payable, cemetery management, records management, and elections.
Treasurer's Office AGVs (00:26:34)
The Treasurer's office presented their accomplishments, goals, and values, including electronic payments and tax collections.

Treasurer Boka, presenting remotely, discussed the office's handling of tax collections, electronic payments, and other financial operations. The report highlighted the increase in online payments and the efficient management of revenues and agreements.
Discussion on Strategic Plan and Green Energy (00:42:37)
Board discusses the inclusion of green energy in the strategic plan and topics such as bicycling infrastructure.

The board discusses the strategic plan, focusing on the importance of green energy and other topics such as bicycling infrastructure. They emphasize the need to include specific topics in the RFP to ensure they are addressed during the strategic plan process.
Programming for Seniors and Youth (00:45:26)
Discussion on the need for elder and youth programming in parks and community centers.

The board discusses the lack of programming for seniors and youth within parks and community centers. They consider the potential for partnerships with other organizations like the YMCA and the city of Kalamazoo to expand programming options.
Community Identity and Festivals (00:49:49)
Exploration of creating a community identity through festivals.

Board members discuss the importance of creating a community identity through festivals and events. They explore ideas for unique festivals that could attract tourism and boost local businesses.
Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness (00:50:51)
Discussion on climate change impact and emergency preparedness for weather-related incidents.

The board discusses the importance of planning for climate change and weather-related incidents. They consider the need for policies and budget allocations to ensure quick response to emergencies without awaiting budget amendments.
Use of Public Funds for Private Property (00:55:18)
Legal discussion on using public funds for private property repairs post-disaster.

The board discusses the legality and precedent of using public funds to repair private property, such as headstones, after disasters. They debate whether this is allowed under current laws and the need for consistent policies.
Public Comment on Consent Agenda (01:13:22)
Open floor for public comment on consent agenda and non-regular session items.

The meeting opens the floor for public comments on items in the consent agenda or any non-regular session items. No public comments are made, and the session is closed.
Consent Agenda Approval (01:14:10)
Approval of meeting minutes, disbursements, and second reading of local fire safety regulations.

The board reviews and approves the consent agenda, which includes meeting minutes, the disbursements report, and the second reading of local fire safety regulations and text amendments related to false alarms.
Sheriff's Office Update (01:15:02)
Detective Sergeant Km provides an update on crime statistics and department activities.

Detective Sergeant Adam Km from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office presents an update on crime statistics for May and June, highlighting trends in violent crimes, property crimes, fraud, and non-criminal incidents. He discusses the decline in certain crime rates due to department efforts and provides an update on a recent fraud case involving check washing that led to several arrests.
Discussion on Township Police Activity and Crime (01:30:21)
The meeting discussed the police activity in Oshtemo Township, including traffic stops, citations, crash statistics, and recent crimes such as mail fraud and a homicide.

The discussion covered various aspects of township police activity. Traffic stops and citations were noted to be higher than other townships. Crash statistics were reviewed, with alcohol and distracted driving highlighted. Mail fraud incidents were discussed, focusing on thefts from postal boxes and the involvement of a postal inspector. A recent homicide at Canterbury Apartments was also covered, with the suspect in custody. Concerns about crime rates and community safety were raised by attendees.
Resolution for Rabbit Angels Rescue Charitable Gaming License (01:52:01)
The board considered a resolution to recognize Rabbit Angels Rescue as a nonprofit for obtaining a charitable gaming license to hold raffles.

The board reviewed a resolution to recognize Rabbit Angels Rescue as a nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining a charitable gaming license from the state of Michigan. The rescue aims to hold raffles to support their activities in helping domestic rabbits. The board discussed the requirements for such a license and invited comments from the public and the applicant, who was present to explain the rescue's mission and need for the license. The resolution was moved, supported, and adopted with a unanimous vote.
Public Works Budget Amendments (01:57:00)
Budget amendments were proposed for Public Works to cover GIS services, GPS unit shipping costs, and the Hardship Advisory Review Committee.

The board discussed proposed budget amendments for the Public Works department. The amendments included reallocating funds from salary lines to professional fees to cover GIS services due to a vacant position, covering GPS unit shipping costs, and allocating funds for the Hardship Advisory Review Committee to process applications related to mandatory sewer connections. Public comments were invited, with no comments from attendees. The board moved to approve the amendments, which were passed unanimously.
Fire Department Budget Amendments (02:03:02)
Amendments to the fire department budget were discussed, including vehicle operations and purchasing a new forcible entry door prop.

The board reviewed budget amendments for the fire department. The amendments included reallocating funds to cover car wash expenses for non-emergency vehicles and purchasing a new forcible entry door prop for training, as the current prop is outdated. The funds for the prop purchase were available due to canceled training events, leading to a discussion on budgeting priorities and whether such purchases should be planned in advance. The board considered the amendments and discussed the necessity and value of the training equipment.
Budget Amendment Discussion (02:08:33)
The board discussed reallocating funds for a training prop, emphasizing the importance of improving response times for life-saving situations.

During the budget amendment discussion, board members debated the merits of reallocating funds for a training prop that would enhance the fire department's ability to breach doors in emergencies. The discussion highlighted an unexpected surplus in funds and considered the potential benefits of immediate investment versus waiting until the next budget year. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of seconds in saving lives during fire emergencies.
Public Comment on Fire Department Budget Amendments (02:12:35)
Opportunity for public comment on fire department budget amendments was opened; no comments were made by attendees.

The meeting opened the floor to public comments regarding the fire department's budget amendments. However, there were no public comments made by attendees present at Township Hall or online.
Board Deliberation on Budget Amendments (02:13:00)
Board members deliberated on whether to approve budget amendments separately or together, ultimately voting to approve both.

Following the public comment period, the board moved into deliberation on the fire department's two budget amendments. Members discussed the possibility of moving the amendments as separate motions but ultimately decided to approve them together. The motion to approve both amendments was carried with six votes in favor and one against.
Discussion on Firefighters Collective Bargaining Agreement (02:16:07)
The board and HR director discussed the details of the proposed firefighters collective bargaining agreement, highlighting changes and concerns.

The HR director presented the proposed collective bargaining agreement for the firefighters, detailing various changes and aligning with current policies. Key points included retirement benefits, working hours, and the relationship between union contracts and the employee handbook. Board members raised concerns about community event participation and the concept of working hours, leading to a broader discussion on expectations and operational practices.
Discussion on Association of Firefighters Collective Bargaining Agreement (03:13:00)
Board members discussed issues related to the firefighters' collective bargaining agreement, including prioritization of community events and weekend work hours.

The board members discussed the current state of the collective bargaining agreement with the Association of Firefighters. Two main issues were identified: the perception that community events are not prioritized, and the discrepancy in working hours on weekends compared to weekdays. The board deliberated on whether these issues could be addressed through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or if they necessitated reopening the entire contract for renegotiation. Concerns about the risks of reopening negotiations and the potential for mediation or arbitration were also discussed.
Decision to Table Agreement and Conduct Closed Session (03:26:00)
The board decided to table the agreement and conduct a closed session to discuss the negotiation details before making a final decision.

After much discussion, the board decided to table the decision on the firefighters' collective bargaining agreement until a closed session could be conducted. The closed session would allow board members to discuss the details of the negotiations in private and understand the risks and concessions involved. The decision to delay was supported by a majority of the board, and arrangements were made to schedule the closed session at a future meeting.
Public Comment (03:28:17)
The board opened the floor for public comment, but no members of the public were present to speak.

During the public comment section, the board invited members of the public to address any issues or topics of concern. However, no members of the public were present at the meeting, and no comments were made. The board then moved on to the next agenda item.
Board Member Comments and Committee Updates (03:29:55)
Board members provided updates on recent events and future plans, including music events and nature walks.

Board members shared updates on recent and upcoming community events. Trustee Kora highlighted the success of the recent music in the park event and announced future events, including a guided nature walk at Drag Farmstead. The board reflected on the community's engagement and discussed plans for improving event scheduling in coordination with natural daylight conditions.
Public Comments (03:30:10)
The sheriff noted a higher turnout compared to Comstock's event, and the speaker concluded his comments.

During the public comment session, a speaker mentioned that the recent event had a very good turnout. The sheriff commented a few days later that there were more attendees than at Comstock's event. The speaker thanked everyone and concluded his remarks.
Announcements and Future Events (03:30:49)
Sean McBride, Metro's Executive Director, will present interesting data about Oshtemo and transportation.

It was announced that Sean McBride, the Executive Director of Metro, will be visiting to share interesting facts and figures about Oshtemo and transportation, which is a favorite topic of the speaker. The speaker noted that he is looking forward to this presentation and encouraged others to do the same.
Budget Meeting Details (03:31:14)
The budget meeting will review draft revenue projections, capital improvement plans, and the Segal compensation study.

An upcoming budget meeting at the Township Hall was discussed. The meeting will focus on reviewing draft revenue projections for various funds, examining the capital improvement plan as priorities are set for the budget, and checking the year-to-date general ledger to report on current spending. Additionally, the HR director will present recommendations based on the Segal compensation study for public employees at the Township. The speaker concluded his comments and adjourned the meeting.